Phoenix, Pelican, Harpy, Griffin
Exceptionally rare engraved and hand-coloured print by Merian & Jonston from "Historiae naturalis de serpentibus et draconibus libri II" published in 1657 in Amsterdam.
Printed area (image as on the main picture) measures:
Large poster 14.6x23.7 inch / 37.2x60.3 cm (approx. same sheet size)
John Jonston, or Joannes Jonstonus (1603 – 1675) was a Polish scholar and physician, descended from Scottish nobility and closely associated with the Polish magnate family of the Leszczyńskis. He earned his first degree at the University of St Andrews and then worked as a private tutor in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and continued his studies in Cambridge, Frankfurt, Franeker and Leiden. Jonston has published major natural history studies including Thautomatographia naturalis and Theatrum universale omnium animalium, piscium, avium, quadrupedum, exanguium aquaticorum, insectorum et angium.
Matthäus Merian der Ältere (1593 – 1650) was a Swiss-born engraver who worked in Frankfurt for most of his career, where he also ran a publishing house. Born in Basel, Merian learned the art of copperplate engraving in Zürich. He next worked and studied in Strasbourg, Nancy, and Paris, before returning to Basel in 1615. The following year he moved to Frankfurt, Germany where he worked for the publisher Johann Theodor de Bry, who was the son of renowned engraver and traveler Theodor de Bry. Early in his life, he had created detailed town plans in his unique style. With Martin Zeiler, a German geographer, and later with his own son, he produced a Topographia Germaniae in 38 parts. After Merian's death, his sons Matthaus Jr and Caspar continued publishing of Topographia Germaniae and Theatrum Europaeum. It includes numerous town plans and views, as well as maps of most countries and a World Map - it was such a popular work that it was re-issued in many editions. He also took over and completed the later parts and editions of the Grand Voyages and Petits Voyages, originally started by de Bry in 1590. He was also noted for the finesse of his alchemical illustrations.
This poster is a high quality "giclee" reproduction of a painstakingly restored antique original, custom-printed on Standard Single-weight Matt Coated art paper 140gsm ( flexible option, easier to tack directly on a wall but could also be framed). We use the latest UltraChromeHDX pigment inks which guarantee 60 years of colour permanence (up to 200 years fade-proof for colour prints).
If you are going to frame this print we recommend you to check our other listing for same print on Heavyweight Matt Coated art paper 230gsm (more of a thin card density) or superb Epson Matt Canvas 320gsm; both will make framing job easier. All our giclee prints are of same high quality.
POSTER PRINT QUALITY
Please note that our reproduction posters are made to order and every print is checked before posting. The images we use in most cases are scans of the antique originals, professionally restored in order to remove the most evident stains, folds, tears and other damage. We strive to balance the restoration and saving the overall integrity and antique look of the original.
There will be no watermark on your image but there might be a white border depending on aspect ratio of the original. Please note that when a large antique original is reduced to a smaller size print some text may not be readable. Please check our measurements: every poster has it's own aspect ratio same as original and printed exactly as pictured.
This high-resolution, museum-grade fine art print is produced from a unique restored image. Printed on premium archival-quality art paper or canvas, it makes a striking addition to any interior as wall décor or a poster, and a memorable gift for lovers of antique and vintage maps, collectors of historic prints, historians, and explorers. Almost indistinguishable from the original Stuart period engraving, it adds character and interest to a study, library, or office wall. It also makes a thoughtful gift for all occasions, including Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, and Father's or Mother's Day.
SAFE SHIPPING
Prints up to A4 are placed in transparent sleeve and posted in cardboard-backed envelope, unless posted together with a larger poster. All posters and canvas larger then A4 are rolled in transparent plastic or acid-free tissue paper and placed in heavy-duty postal tube for dispatch / delivery. We do not ship posters folded.
It will be shipped by Royal Mail or Hermes and the shipping costs include delivery confirmation. The P&P includes postage and packaging, and the excess (i.e. A4 prints) will always be refunded. Shipping for multiple purchases will be combined wherever possible and if they made within 3 days, for each additional item postage is charged at £1.00. International buyers: please check the postage costs and allow extra time for overseas delivery; please be aware that the purchase price doesn't include any possible custom charges.
REFUND GUARANTIE
We would like you to be satisfied with your purchase. If by any reason you are not happy with it, simply return it within 14 days for a full refund.
A good feedback is not only appreciated but also indicates you have received the item safely. Thank you!